Police have fined 83 motorists in the last three months for parking illegally in Bargoed town centre.
The issuing of fines – at £30 each – was part of a crackdown by police and Caerphilly County Borough Council on the problem following complaints from the public.
Sergeant Nic Mancino, of Bargoed’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Two issues are still being brought to my attention, firstly, retailers are still parking outside their shops all day in the limited waiting bays and secondly, motorists are parking their vehicles on pavements throughout the town centre, in particular outside Greggs bakery, causing a problem for motorists and pedestrians.
“Parking problems are a sensitive issue in Bargoed, we have to ensure that all residents and visitors to the town are treated in a fair and proportionate manner. By issuing the fines over the last three months we hope we are sending a message that abuse of the traffic laws in the area will not be tolerated.”
Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The improvement works along the High Street are progressing well and the impressive scheme is giving Bargoed town centre a fantastic new look.
“We want to encourage as much trade as possible in the town by offering shoppers convenience and improved access, so parking restrictions have changed to allow more people to ‘stop and shop’ and for better loading arrangements.”
Are they not building an out of town car park to go with their out of town bus stop then?